The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an important public health concern that has become more prevalent in Pakistan in recent decades. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are frequently exposed to many HIV-infected patients; as a result, they are more vulnerable to HIV infection due to occupational exposure. Hence, the current study was executed to evaluate HCPs' knowledge, attitude and practice in terms of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV. This cross-sectional study was carried out in several clinical and laboratory settings of Karachi and the HCPs involved in treating patients were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to establish the normality of the variables. Pearson correlation was employed to identify the relationship between the independent variables considering p-values < 0.05 as statistically significant. A total of 578 filled forms were incorporated in the study with a response rate of 72.2%. Physicians and medical students (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.16-2.24; p = 0.001) belonging to private work settings (OR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.33-2.35; p < 0.003) indicated better knowledge. The majority, 407 (70.4%), of the respondents reported having been exposed to risky occupational circumstances during their professional life; however, 65.7% took PEP for HIV after exposure and only 56.8% completed the entire course. A statistically significant association was observed between experience (p = 0.004, CI = 0.14-0.72), job category (p = 0.0001, CI = 0.16-0.62) and frequency of exposure (p = 0.003, CI = 0.42-11.31) and reporting of occupational exposure. More than half (53.8%) of respondents stated that their institute has a policy for the management of HIV exposures; however, their response was significantly associated with their organization (p = 0.004). The current study shows adequate knowledge revealing a positive attitude among respondents; however, there was a gap between the knowledge and its practical application. Even though many of the HCPs had experienced risky HIV exposure, a lack of reporting was noted in the study.
Keywords: HIV; Pakistan; healthcare professionals; human immunodeficiency virus; occupational exposure; post-exposure prophylaxis.